The U.S.–Nepal Startup Weekend Challenge has successfully concluded, marking the culmination three-day accelerator-style program held from February 19 – 21 that brought together some of Nepal's most promising early-stage founders, entrepreneurs and innovators from across Nepal to collaboratively develop startup ventures inspired by U.S. innovation models.

Selected from 283 applications received across Nepal, 25 teams were shortlisted to participate in the three-day program, bringing together nearly 100 entrepreneurs and early-stage founders. Over the course of the weekend, participants engaged in curated workshops and training sessions on business fundamentals led by expert facilitators and received targeted one-on-one mentorship from Nepali and U.S.-based experts to refine their startup ideas and strengthen their pitches for final event.

Nine finalist team presented their startups before a distinguished panel of judges comprising Mike Harker, Public Affairs Chief at the U.S. Embassy Nepal; Juna Mathema, Co-founder of Blitz Media; Sachin Karanjit, Director of Nepal Operations at Deerhold and Suman Joshi, Managing Director at One to Watch.

Following comprehensive evaluation and deliberation by the judges, GaurdX was announced as the winner of the U.S. – Nepal Startup Weekend Challenge, securing NPR. 350,000 in seed funding. Fully Charged Nepal Enterprise was named the first runner-up, receiving NPR. 200,000, while Kanoon Portal earned the second runner-up position with NPR. 100,000 in seed funding.

Delivering keynote remarks on the opening day, Scott Urbom, Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy Nepal, stated, “Programs like this reflect the strength and reciprocity of the U.S.- Nepal partnership by connecting Nepali talent with American experience and globally tested approaches.” His remarks underscored the U.S. Embassy Nepal’s continued commitment to fostering innovation, supporting startup growth, and promoting cross-border collaboration between Nepali entrepreneurs and U.S. business ecosystems.

About the U.S. – Nepal Startup Weekend Challenge:

The U.S. – Nepal Startup Weekend Challenge is a three-day accelerator-style initiative that brings together early-stage business founders, aspiring entrepreneurs and students from across Nepal to collaboratively develop startup ventures inspired by U.S. innovation models. Supported by the U.S. Embassy Nepal, the U.S. - Nepal Startup Weekend Challenge is implemented by One to Watch in partnership with the American Chamber of Commerce in Nepal (AmCham Nepal), Confederation of Nepalese Industries Young Entrepreneurs Forum (CNIYEF), Federation of Women Entrepreneurs Association of Nepal (FWEAN), Market Edge, Nepal Association of Software and IT Services Companies (NAS-IT) and Nepalese Young Entrepreneurs Forum (NYEF).